Without an increase in electricity rates, the city faces a $300,000 deficit next year, according to Griffith.

The manager suggested a 7.5 percent rate increase plus a one-time meter charge, which he said would bring in just more than $272,000 in new revenue to alleviate the deficit. He also suggested a 12 percent increase without a meter charge.

The rate increase would impact residential electricity customers as well as business owners.

Aldermen made no motion on the rate increase but agreed to continue discussing the matter at the Nov. 5 council meeting. Action on the rate increase will likely be taken on Nov. 19.

In other business Monday, the council heard considered a request to drive a golf cart on city streets. Kenneth Maxwell, who resides on Washington Street on the city's west side and utilizes a wheelchair, told aldermen he would like to drive a golf cart to the bank, grocery store and other businesses.

Maxwell said he would not cross the State Highway 41, which borders Bushnell, and agreed to install lights on his golf cart.

Bushnell Mayor Jim Evans suggested Maxwell's request be referred to the street/alley and police committees before returning to the council for action.

The next Bushnell City Council meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 5, at Bushnell City Hall.